The last 20 months of my life haven't ended up how I had envisaged them a good 5 years back. Let alone 2 years back……

A corporate flyer… I knew the wrung on the ladder I wanted to reach, the amount of money I needed to afford our nice home and the endless search for the company that I could live out my working years with to feel secure and stable ….

Normally when one hears or smells lavender the mind may automatically jump to "oh that reminds me of a Nana!" And in some ways I don’t have a problem with that! It takes me back to my time with my Nan and it certainly brings a smile to my face.

I'd like to share with you a few more tips that you may not have come across - because it really should be more than just Nana's favourite.

Over the past month I have been reacquainted with my 6 year old self. A moment in time that I struggle to remember.

As you may know, I have been exploring different methods of meditation, or ways that I can be mindful, still and calm in body and mind, and in ways that don’t necessarily require me to perch on a cushion in silence.

With much excitement, I would like to introduce you to Michelle. Michelle is the first of our Intimate Conversations with Wellbeing Explorers, and as soon as I heard of her story; I knew it was one that needed to be shared.

Please meet Michelle, today she shares her intimate and enlightening moments as she treks across the French Pyrenees from the small town St Jean Pied de Port, across Spain, to finish in Santiago de Compostela…. 790 kms walked.

I’ve just returned to Shanghai from 6 weeks back at home in Melbourne, Australia…… and on this occasion I wasn’t overly overjoyed to be returning to a cold ‘hazy’ winter from an Australian summer. Lucky for me I had a husband to return to and a great bunch of friends awaiting a good catch up.

Each time I am away, I tend to get very nostalgic and I find clarity about how I wish to live my days and tend to find certainty around the things that I love to indulge in and that make me happy — hence why we need to take time for breaks. Albeit some may find this post a little self indulgent — but in my experience a happy me, results in happy people around me.

Here are a couple of things I have learnt on my return trips back to Shanghai

It never gets easier to leave my family and friends

It's up to me to bring the light back to what I could easily make a dark and gloomy week — or in fact many weeks

Holidays never last forever — but how I transition back is in my control

Reflecting on my needs and desires on how I wish to settle back in Shanghai should be considered ahead of time — that way I can plan and make them happen. I suggest brainstorming and jotting these down.

Bring back some of your life’s luxuries to indulge and enjoy when you are back — chocolate, cooking condiments, paper magazines, new craft projects, your favourite tea, a new cookbook.

Finding lightness and ease in settling back in after a holiday

Plan to take the next day or 2 off before returning to work to ease back in and get your sanctuary in order. Or return home 2 days before work — no one likes their first day back at work — you know that work hangover feeling!

Organise for your partner/ house mate to cook you a healthy meal that lights your eyes up for the night you return, or better yet freeze a meal before you go.

Fresh sheets? Yes make sure these are on your bed before you depart for your holiday

Take a shower — use your favourite body wash and wipe off that long flight

Leave the TV for the night and tuck in for an early night or a chapter of your book

Day 1 - AND SHE'S BACK

Plan your meals and lunches for the next 5 days — keep it fresh, light, homely and simple

Day 2 - The Day After Being Back

Pick up that journal and your Needs / Desires list and start planning these in to your week, over a cup of coffee or your favourite tea

Schedule and book your fitness classes or exercises, book a massage for later in the week after work to get you back over the hump, organise a catchup to remind you of the good friends you have in Shanghai

Plan your favourite Shanghai activity for the coming weekend

Repeat - Run a bath before bed with your favourite essential oil or partake in a 30 minute restorative yoga session before you hit the pillow

If you have the option, organise for Ayi to pop by later in the week and assist you to clean up the bomb of coming home and unpacking.

Lay out your clothes for your return to work and pack that healthy happy lunch that makes you look forward to lunch time P.S avoid scheduling meetings for your first day back (and no checking emails the night before — I kindly remind you that work will always be there).

A few helpful others

Print your favourite holiday snaps and place them around your sanctuary

Keep any new purchases and holiday mementos nearby for play time

Keep up the routine of Day 1 & 2 and spread these across each week over the coming weeks

Keep your eye on the clock - make sure you leave on time for your first week back - work will always be there

Plan activities that excite you for your month ahead — your favourite walk, restaurant, that book you’ve been dying to read, catching up with that friend you haven’t seen for weeks, a new fitness or wellbeing goal

Get planning that next trip — your work productivity levels will thank you for it.